1st Battalion 22nd Infantry Unit Updates May 2011 page 1

1st Battalion 22nd Infantry

1st Battalion Newsletter

May 2011

BN CO, HHC, Chaplain

Friends and Families of the Regulars,

This is the final Task Force 1-22 Newsletter from Afghanistan and soon all of our Soldiers will be home with their
loved ones at Fort Carson, CO. As we look back over the past eleven months, you can’t help but be overwhelmed
by the amount of progress we’ve made throughout Kandahar Province and be reflective of the memories we’ll
keep for the rest of our lives. It goes without saying that we’ve collectively left an indelible mark on the capability
and capacity of our partnered Afghan National Security Forces, built governance capacity with key partners in
the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, and improved the lives of the people of Kandahar City.

From the beginning, we focused our efforts towards making a significant impact in the day to day lives of the
Afghan people. Working in conjunction with the Afghan National Civil Order Police (ANCOP), Afghan National
Police (ANP), Afghan Border Police (ABP) and Afghan National Army (ANA), we built lasting relationships with the
people of Kandahar Province; improved security by hunting down those responsible for years of assassinations,
intimidations, extortion, and terror;and helped form the “connective tissue” between village leaders and higher
level governmental institutions. Our Soldiers’ deeds empowered our Afghan security partners to regain the
initiative, reestablish security, and start enabling the government to connect with their people. In the end, our
Soldiers were able to hold critically important ground in key areas surrounding Kandahar City--a goal for many
but accomplished by few on the southern Asia plains bordering the Arghandab River Valley. Without question,
we have left a profound mark on the fight in Afghanistan and one that the outstanding Soldiers and leaders of
Task Force ‘Talon’ (headquartered by 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment) will carry through to the finish.

As CSM Coston and I cycled through every platoon combat outpost to award Soldiers their 4th Infantry Division
Combat Patch, End of Tour Awards, and Combat Awards, I thanked every Soldier for their service and welcomed
them into the proud legacy of ‘Regular’ warriors who have gone before us on battlefields scattered across the
world. During the ceremony, Soldiers were awarded their combat badges inside a ‘ring of honor’ comprised of
their fellow warriors and reminded that they faced the enemy in ground combat less than ten miles from where
Osama bin Laden planned the attacks against America on 9-11. It may not be now, but at some point in time
when Soldiers reflect back on their service in Afghanistan, for many their most cherished memory will be the
bonds they built with their fellow Soldiers…since those forged in the fires of combat will generally stand the test
of time. I think I can speak for almost everyone in the formation when I say that we are honored to be a part of
the elite warrior fraternity of former ‘Regulars’ who have served in their Nation since the War of 1812.

Unfortunately, our tremendous success was not without incredible pain and loss. We will never forget the im-
measurable sacrifice of our fallen heroes: 1LT Mark Noziska (1/D), SSG Casey Grochowiak (1/D), CPL Andrew
Wilfahrt (3/552 MP CP), SPC David Fahey (HQ/170 MP CO), and SGT Jason Weaver (1/170 MP CO); the absolute
finest our country had to offer. They will always be remembered for their dedication to a cause greater than
themselves and their unyielding love for their fellow Soldiers. Their loved ones will remain forever in our hearts
and in our prayers for having ‘laid so costly a sacrifice upon the Altar of Freedom.’ Although our faith and strength
in each other helped us endure these tragic losses, I believe our responsibility to carry forward these warriors’
legacies is what steeled our conviction to accomplish our mission; we owe nothing less to them and their Families
for the incredible sacrifice that they have given.

Our Family Readiness Groups (FRG) and Rear-Detachment did an incredible job supporting our Families throughout
our deployment. Led by CPT Brandon Chapman and SFC Clint Battaglia, the Rear-Detachment kept you informed and assisted
our Families through some very challenging times and made a significant difference when they were needed the most.
As our Soldiers return to Fort Carson, please remember that the teamwork which kept us safe throughout the deployment
will remain crucial as we go through reintegration. There will undoubtedly be a few of our Soldiers and Families that will go through
relationship or combat related stress issues after we return. Never forget that you are not alone and that there are an abundance of resources available through multiple supporting agencies on Fort Carson, the Army, and Department of Defense.
PLEASE take advantage of them at the earliest opportunity if you are struggling with any number of post deployment related issues…
that’s why they are there: TO SUPPORT YOU! If you have any questions, please contact our Rear-Detachment or FRGs;
they are committed to serving you and our Soldiers.

For those of you wanting to keep a memento of Task Force 1-22’s deployment to Afghanistan, our Task Force yearbook
is available for purchase from Deeds Publishing Company (website: www.deedspublishing.com). The full color yearbook
is only $40. Our yearbook has individual photos of each Soldier, Afghanistan action shots, platoon photos, our battalion history
which includes our accomplishments in Afghanistan, welcome home photos, and award ceremonies coverage.
The entire team has put a lot of effort into building this yearbook to preserve your Soldiers’
accomplishments throughout Operation Enduring Freedom 10-11; I know you’ll enjoy it.

As we leave, the feelings are bittersweet. We leave knowing that we accomplished significant milestones in Kandahar Province
but realize our gains are not irreversible. We also left behind some incredible Afghan friends and partners who will remain
locked in a fight with an evil cowardly enemy. So while we could not be more excited to reunite with Families and friends, our excitement is tempered with a tinge of regret leaving behind some incredible people who are ‘all in’ for their country and the people they serve.

I cannot thank our Soldiers enough for their continued service, unquestioned sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to winning this fight in
Afghanistan. Each and every one of our Soldiers should be incredibly proud of their accomplishments over this past year and the foundation
they’ve set for our brothers and sisters in Task Force Talon. For our Families, friends, and supporters, words would never do justice to the incredible debt of gratitude we owe you for the support, love, and prayers while we were away; we could not have done what we did, as well as
we did it, without you all. We will see you very soon.

May God continue to bless Task Force ‘Regulars’, Task Force ‘Talon’, all of our Soldiers, and our combined Families…
it has been an honor to serve with each and every one of you.

Regulars, by God!

LTC Clay Padgett
Regular 6

Friends and Families of the Regulars,

From the “Regulars” Command Sergeant Major corner greetings and salutations. It has been a rewarding, but tough year both
mentally and physically for your Soldier deployed here in Afghanistan. We, the “Soldiers,” also understand it has been a tough
year for our Families back home. All of the “Regulars” are extremely grateful for your unwavering support, and we truly appreciate
every accomplishment you, the children, grandmamma, grandpapa, dad, and yes, like always, a special note for
mom, have achieved in the past 11 months. Utilitarian means a individual’s actions will result in “the greatest good for the
greatest number;” and there is a Golden Rule that states, “Regard your neighbor’s gain as your gain, and your neighbor’s loss
as your own loss.” What I am asking by mentioning utilitarian and a Golden Rule is that our Soldiers and some Family members
are going to require the entire community’s help in achieving spiritual and physical wellbeing. Our Soldiers have performed
phenomenally during the past 11 months, and now we need your help in continuing that success! Before I go, the
Army in all its wisdom has decided to promote the following outstanding Soldiers: (Specialist to Sergeant) – SGT Kyle Anderson,
SGT Roy Danetaras, SGT Nicholas Sparks, (Sergeant to Staff Sergeant) – SSG Max Gideon, SSG Paul Gill, SSG Barrie Makin,
SSG Jeremy Moore, and SSG Ronald Wycoff was promoted to the rank of Sergeant First Class; congratulations to all!

Regulars by God!

CSM Samuel D. Coston
Regular 7

SSG Oliver Waits congratulating SSG Paul Gill during his promotion in the Arghandab Valley

1SG John Cutter speaking of SSG Max Gideon's and the other newly promoted
NCO's performance and dedication during OEF 10-11

Families and friends of HHC,

What a busy month we have had finishing strong here in Kandahar City! 1SG Lawson and I are amazed every day at the amount
of work we are able to get done here at ANCOP HQ and across the partnered area of operations. The month of May started
out with complex attacks across Kandahar City which were quickly extinguished by our Soldiers and the brave Afghan National
Security Forces with whom we partner. The Soldiers of HHC, assisted by A CO, expertly defended ANCOP HQ against one of these
attacks without loss of ISAF or ANSF life. CPT Josh Banuelos, HHC’s mighty executive officer, and SGT Gary Karnap of A CO, were the
only Soldiers to sustain injuries from the battle, and both were quickly returned to duty. SGT Hartle, an HHC medic, has been
recommended for a valorous award engaged the enemy while the enemy fired RPGs and small arms fire. The HHC Sniper team, led
by SSG John Nichols, also destroyed multiple enemy suicide attackers in the face of insurgent rocket and machine gun fire. The
entire company defended the base exactly as they had rehearsed and I am extremely proud of these proficient and battle-tested
warriors. After the attack, HHC showed the local Afghans our un-ending support and care by providing families with humanitarian
assistance and payment for battle damages.

May has also been a month of celebration as we have awarded many End of Tour Awards for Soldiers receiving the Army
Commendation Medal. I am personally honored to have pinned each of these awards and congratulated each Soldier. HHC also had a
banner month for reenlistments, as we had SSG Pico, SSG Nichols, SSG Martinez, SGT Larranaga, SGT Dempsey, and CPL Perez decide
to Stay Army. Hammer Company was also fortunate to be able to promote several great Soldier/Leaders this month in the ranks of
Non-Commissioned Officers. SPC Daneteras, medic, was promoted to SGT. SGT Goodman, Sergeant of the Guard, was promoted
to SSG. CPL Davis, Assault CP, was promoted to SGT, and SPC Larranaga, sniper, was promoted to SGT; I will round out the
list with SPC Soriano and SPC Mcghaey both were promoted to SGT. To each of these Soldiers, I offer my congratulations and a
reminder to “always check your Soldiers”.

We have recently begun to see the faces of our counterparts from 2-8 IN, the battalion who will replace us shortly. Of course, all our
Soldiers are excited to see them and cannot wait to get back home to our friends, Family, and freedom back home. But until
we get home we remain vigilant and busy as we inventory and pack equipment and teach our counterparts what we have
learned over the past months. I am proud not only of the fine Hammer Soldiers with whom I work, but also of our friends and

Families back home that have shown us endless support. Thank you all and we’ll see you soon!

CPT Ian Pitkin
Hammer 6

Families and friends of HHC,

Welcome to another installment of the Hammer Newsletter. This should be the last of the newsletters to hit your in box from the
wonderful world of Afghanistan. I can honestly say that it brings a smile to my face to say that. I know your Soldiers are all ready
to be home and with you in Colorado Springs. I have had a great and memorable time with each and everyone of your Soldiers
during this deployment and it has been my pleasure to be Hammer 7.

During this month, we have been busy packing, building, and cleaning up getting ready for the new unit to get here. We have the first
ones on the ground now and we are trying to integrate them in to the daily habits here on ANCOP HQ so it is a fast paced change over.
Our guys are staying professional and doing the best they can to make sure our brothers in arms from 2-8 IN get a quality relief in
place. They will continue doing this through the month of June to ensure we “finish strong” and get home safe.

I would like to congratulate all the Soldiers that were promoted this month and to those inducted into the NCO Corps during this
deployment, which is a true testament to the professionalism of all the HHC Soldiers. It has been a true pleasure to promote and see
the Soldiers grow during this deployment and I hope that all the Soldiers continue to grow and develop as leaders and pass along
their knowledge to our new Soldiers waiting for us on Rear-D.

Lastly, I want the Families to know that your Soldiers have worked hard throughout the last 11 months and are eager to get home to
you. Be cautious with the reintegration and take the time to learn each other again. If there are any issues please don’t hesitate to
call the Chain of Command, we are here to help you and your Family get through this. I know that the Rear-D and the FRG have talked
some about reintegration and I just want you to know that it will take time and that your Soldiers may have some daily habits that
may transfer home with them. Some will be funny to everyone involved and some may be serious. I want you to know that it is ok
to go slow and it is ok to have small issues that you can’t under-stand. The Chain of Command will help each and every Soldier and
Family member work through this adjustment period. We have a lot of repeat deplorers in our formation and some first timers use
this time to connect with each other through the FRG to learn how to help our Soldiers when they get home and how other
spouses have gotten through it.

I look forward to seeing all the Happy Faces back in the Springs in a short time and personally thank each and everyone of you for
your continued support and for giving me the opportunity to lead your Soldiers during this deployment.

Hammer 7

CPL Davis and PFC Darsow observing an objective near Kandahar City

PFC Helsley and SGT "Doc" Newton pull security during a patrol

ACP, “Punisher”

Hello Punisher Friends and Family!

The time is finally here for our last newsletter from Afghanistan! The Soldiers in the platoon could not be more excited to be back
at home, with you, later this month. The guys have started to make plans and look forward to spending some well deserved
time together back in Colorado. Although they can see the light at the end of the tunnel, they know that this is not the time to relax.
Each day until we come home is just as dangerous as the last, so the Punishers continue to remain ready to move with and destroy
the enemy here in Kandahar City. This year, we have always seemed to be in the right place at the right time to move to the
sound of the guns.

I hope you all share the immense sense of pride I have in your Soldiers. Each one of them has poured their heart and soul into
the mission here in Afghanistan. Once we see you all again back home, you will see that each member of the Family has grown as
a man and is proud of what we have accomplished not only as a platoon, but as a Task Force here in Kandahar. I must express my
gratitude to each of you for the constant and enduring support given to the platoon. Without you, there is no reason for us to be
here and we are all grateful to have all of you behind us at home.

We are finishing strong. I know it may take some time, but each member of the platoon will be able to look back at the time we
spent together building this team and family fondly and all of the shared hardships and accomplishments we surmounted here on
the frontlines. It has been an honor for me to serve as the Platoon Leader for your Soldiers. I could not have wished for a better
group of Soldiers to work beside on this deployment and would gladly serve with each one of them again. I am proud to have
been given the privilege of leading such strong Soldiers and great men in combat. Thank you all for your support and we will be
seeing you back all stateside soon! Mission First. Soldiers Always. Family Above All.

CPT Cary Fitzpatrick
Punisher 6

Pulling security for Nemesis 6 and the Presidential Convoy in Kandahar Province

S1, “El Jefe’s Corner”

In the lyrical words of Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli, it’s “Time to Say Goodbye” to this adventure, growing experience,
deployment. Though this month seemed to fly right by, there were quite a few memories that will always remain with us from
this month. We welcomed May in a festive style with a “little” Cinco de Mayo get-together. The big day was celebrated in the
ALOC with chips, dip, and virgin margaritas provided by one of our biggest supporters, Monica Schmidt. Everyone was welcomed for
a taste to commemorate the day of the Battle of Puebla; the cause of freedom and democracy. Well even though we only had
the Margarita mixes (Lime and Strawberry) we found our own creative ways to take down the mix, some added water to their
cups, some drank it straight, and some even took the mix by the shot. Though it was a low key event in the ALOC tent, we cannot
thank Monica enough for making it a wonderful and memorable day.

Cinco de Mayo was not the only thing to celebrate in May. The S1 Section further celebrated when CPL Perez went to the promotion
board this month and was recommended for promotion. To the rank of Sergeant. Since the Board, CPL(P) Perez has worked
diligently on military correspondence courses making his promotion to Sergeant, inevitable. We had cause to celebrate a little
more because in addition to going to the promotion board CPL(P) Perez also reenlisted this past month. As I continue down the
path of the Adjutant General Corps, I know that the 42 series Soldiers are in going to be in great hands as CPL(P) Perez moves
up the ranks and continues to proudly, confidently, and honorably serve in the AG branch.

On 18 May, 2011, we honored the diligent and incredible work of the Soldiers in the S1 Section along with the S4, Engineer, S2, and
S6 sections by holding an End of Tour Awards Ceremony in the ANCOP rose garden. CPT Pitkin, “Hammer 6”, had the privilege
and honor to present the Army Commendation Medal to these outstanding Staff Soldiers. Being the former Company Commander
of “Able” Company, CPT Pitkin now knew and understood just how hard, determined, and emphatically the HHC staff Soldiers
worked to complete and support every mission around the battlefield. Even though these Soldiers were not out doing combat
patrols everyday, they worked just as hard to keep battalion thriving forward on mission planning, and on all logistical and
administrative support. I am honored and blessed to have served with my S1 Soldiers in combat and I thank each and everyone of
them for further developing me as a leader.

Though our Soldiers received their awards and are ready to get back home, their outstanding efforts continue to show especially
as the 2-8 IN “Task Force Talon” Soldiers begin to arrive into theater. During these last few weeks of the deployment, we have
been conducting Day and Night FOB Force Protection Drills in order to keep everyone focused and sharp all the way up till the
day we fly out of ANCOP. SFC Andreas recently went through and received a “GO” on his last Daytime COP Force Protection Drill
Certification, during which he executed flawlessly. He is a leader that understands the continuous need for battle-drills to keep
Soldiers alive and alert.

S1, S4, Engineers, and S2 OICs and NCOICs taking some time for a memorable group photograph

SSG Montano celebrates Cinco de Mayo with a Margarita....
No worries, it was just the mix

CPT "El Jefe" Behler administers the oath of Re-enlistment to CPL(P) Perez

SPC Heinaman receives his End of Tour ARCOM for his honorable work this deployment

S2 Intel Section

As the S2 section enters the last month of our deployment, we continue to drive operations focusing on insurgents
within Kandahar City. As the section takes a look back on the last 11 months of our tour, we remember the long
hours and bonds between us, which have helped drive successful operations in the battlefield.

This month, we packed up SFC Varcasia back to Fort Carson as he gears up to enter the next chapter of his life and
become a Warrant Officer. The sections newest NCO, SGT Soriano has effectively stepped into SFC Varcasia’s role as
the NCOIC and is currently pushing us all through multiple taskings as well as packing the section up to arrive back at
Fort Carson next month. This month, the section received their end of tour awards. The awards are as follows: Army
Commendation Medal: PFC Erb Thomas, SPC Franks Bonn, SPC Williams Nicholas, SPC Grady Chock, SGT Soriano Ebert,
1LT Wang Hall. Army Achievement Medal: SPC Franks Bonn was also awarded the Army Achievement
Medal for additional achievements during our deployment.

As the section “FINISHES STRONG,” the section S2A “ZOHAN” closes its door of the Infamous Hair cutting
Barber Shop. The majority of the Staff at ANCOP are going to miss out on the long talks with their Zohan as he fades and
styles Staff’s looks. The shop is going to miss out on CPT Madetzke’s hours in the gym singing Fergie and Avril as he
is “WORKING ON HIS FITNESS.” As the battle continues, SPC Franks continues to tackle SPC Grady and make him
scream as he tickles him to death. SPC Williams and PFC Erb continue to drive current operations in the TOC and
rack up flight hours and are hoping the experience will teach them to fly as well.

This month, SPC Williams was acknowledged at the promotion board and soon will provide his leadership and
experience to junior Soldiers. LT Wang, AKA “PANDA BEAR”, continue to drive detainee operations as well as the
“WRANGLER of Terps”. LT Wang will be remembered during the deployment as the Ninja who was almost beaten by
his worst enemy, the “PUNCHING BAG.”

As the sections final days come to the end, the team would like acknowledge the support of the STG Team, CIAT 6
members and the LEPs AKA the Bobs. Without the help of these individuals, the section would not have the success
they achieved during this deployment.

As the section closes the door for the final days, we are surly going to miss the moments during the deployment
that bond us as a team, however, are looking forwards to seeing our Families and friends back at Fort Carson soon.

Female Engagement Team

The wonderful Soldiers on the FET, who have worked tirelessly for the women in Afghanistan, were recognized this
month for their toil when they received the Army Commendation Medal. The road at the beginning of this deployment
was bumpy and there were some obstacles we had to traverse, but as we continued the path, it got
smoother with only minor potholes. The focus and persistence the Team displayed throughout the deployment
from the bumpy start to the smooth and cohesive end is admirable and really makes me proud of all they’ve accomplished.
We also showed our appreciation for the hard work of our linguists by awarding them with certificates of
appreciation. They have become just as much a part of the Team as any of us and we would find ourselves in jams,
unable to communicate without them. Even though things have been wrapping up and most of our belongings have
been shipped home and our countdown is down to mere weeks, we are still plugging along full speed on missions in
the Battalion’s Area of Operations.

We continue to visit homes and clear villages with our Infantry brothers on long dismounted patrols in the heat (it’s
a good exercise to get bathing suit ready for home!) The Team continues to work diligently and keep there heads in
it, even with home so near.

We all look forward to returning to the States; it will be a glorious day when we can get into a vehicle without an
additional 50 pounds of gear. Instead of a M4 attached to our sides, we can wear a bag/purse which might even
contain cosmetics! Most of our to-do lists after Family time include a manicure and pedicure, so we can proudly slip
our feet into some more fashionable footwear. The list goes on and on but I am sure the point has been made; we
can’t wait to be home with our Families and friends and to do some well deserved pampering.

It has been a long and busy year supporting our Task Force, but the finish line is near and it’s quickly approaching.
With Task Force Talon coming in to take over our operations, our logistics section is busier than ever to maintain
operational support, conduct a good relief in place with the incoming unit, and prepare our Battalion to head back to
Fort Carson. It’s a busy time period, but we all know that is worth more than the effort to loved ones once again.

SFC Zelinsky , 1LT Lee, and all the Supply Sergeants on KAF are operating 100 miles per hour to complete all the
required tasks that each element has so we can successfully clear Afghanistan. While making sure we are clear to get
out of theater, our guys at KAF are helping to set up ac-counts, refine concept of support, and resource equipment
on KAF for TF Talon so they can jump straight into successful operations. While they are determined and excited to
see their loved ones, a few are even thrilled to be coming home to hit the road when they get back on some new
motorcycles. For all the hard work that this team has put forth, I hope they enjoy relaxing on those motorcycles
since we all know they definitely earned their time to take a breather.

As SSG Kincheloe and I see the new faces on ANCOP of the incoming unit, we are busier now than ever before. Our
overall goal is to make sure that we leave our area of operation with no issues and that support operations transition
smoothly over to TF Talon. While there are a lot of operations being executed and we are intensely busy, we
are determined to resource as much as we need to ensure we leave a great product to TF Talon. From what I have
personally seen from our section, I see this to be an easy task for this unwavering group of individuals.

This last month has been a great and rewarding month for the Task Force Engineer cell. We are happy to be going
home to see our friends and Family and know that we will leave the upcoming unit in good hands. When we look at
all the work that had been completed by SGT Dempsey, LT Litfin, and LT Kim, we are proud to say that we assisted in
the Regulars’ fight and mission. We are sure that our ANSF Partners will take good care of the force protection that we
helped set up and we know that it will help them and our replacing unit to be safer throughout this next year. We are
pleased to introduce our replacing officer, LT Catalano. He will be picking up from where we left off and will be
continuing the fight here in Afghanistan when we head back. Lastly, we would like to give a shout out to all our friends
and Family back at home who continually support us. Thank you and we will see you soon!

I know this has been a long year and many countless hours have been invested to getting our job done. I just want to
say thank you to all the Soldiers and their Families for all their sacrifices that they offered to make this a successful
deployment during Operation Enduring Freedom 10-11. There could not have been any better group that I would
want to work with for this deployment! Thank you.

-CPT Cederstrom
-SFC Zelinsky

SFC Zelinsky poses with SSG Hall for a quick picture during their RIP

S4 and Engineer team at ANCOP ALOC continuously work together to support the BN

Medical Platoon

Hello Medic Families!

We all trust that you're well and looking forward to June...our homecoming is just around the corner! However,
there's much to be done in the meantime and we have to keep our focus on the tasks at hand. Before we can
leave Afghanistan, we have to give our all to ensure that our ASNF partners are set up for success under the new
incoming unit, 2-8 Infantry of the 2nd BCT, 4ID. And, of course, we need to make sure all members of 1-22 continue
to receive the outstanding care they've become accustomed. This means that every medic is expected to
keep up the pace, even kicking it up a few gears, before they get on the helicopters to start heading home. Not only
will we knock this out -like we have everything this deployment-but we'll excel at it. Because that's what Blood Medics do.

This past month we've continued to walk patrols, treat Afghans, and keep the formation healthy, even while starting
the long, drawn-out process of packing out. Truly every medic has more than carried his weight. As of now, we’re
in the process of making sure all of our aid stations are fully stocked, the field sanitation at each site is good to go, and
that we have enough oral rehydration salts and fluids stockpiled for the new guys coming into this heat. I joke,
but in all seriousness 2-8 IN will fall on in a much more ro-bust healthcare footprint that is many times over improved
from the one we inherited last August.

Just like the aid stations, the medics have been working on improving themselves in preparation for the homecoming:
there’s a sudden rash of weightlifting and promotions. Truly, as a leader, it’s powerful to see. These are a bunch of
motivated Soldiers who’ve impressed me throughout the deployment and continue to do so every day.

We're thinking of each of you and counting days.

-1LT Modlin, Blood 6

Main Aid Station End of Tour Awards

Scouts

Greetings from the 1-22 Scout Platoon to all our friends and loved ones!

As you’re no doubt aware, we will be redeploying back to Carson by the end of June; as such this will be the last
newsletter from Afghanistan that we will send… it feels really good to write that. Approximately 10 of our replacements
as Brigade PSD have already shown up and begun to take the reins; and within the week all of our equipment
and property will become theirs. We will be showing the new Brigade Commander and Command Sergeant Major
around the brigade’s battle space over the next week or so before we transition out of command and fly to Manas.
Each Soldier should spend approximately 48 hours or so in Manas to catch our flight home before beginning the long
trek back to America. Our very own Scouts have been tasked with presenting the brigade colors during the Brigade
Transfer of Authority/Casing ceremony in June, which is a great honor. Additionally, several of our Soldiers were
promoted early on in the month of June, to include SSG Rojas, SSG Jett, SSG Haywood, SGT Thompson, and
SSG Perez and Doc Harmony was finally promoted to Sergeant. All promotions were well deserved.

Take care and we’ll see you soon!

-1LT Adams

SGT Smith and PFC Catrain entering in the local Future Farmers of Afghanistan live stock competition

It’s with great joy for me to be saying that this is the last Chaplain’s Corner as this is the last newsletter of our Battalion’s deployment
to Afghanistan. This year has certainly been a trying year for the Soldiers and Families of the 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry
Regiment; I know my thoughts are the same as everyone else’s when I say that I am overjoyed that this deployment is
soon coming to a close.

Many of us are starting new phases of our lives (be it ETS, PCS, or staying in 1-22 IN while the unit re-sets from this deployment)
very soon after our block leave is over. I wish everyone who served, as well as those who selflessly supported those who
served this entire deployment, nothing but the best in all of your future endeavors.

Yet before the Regulars leave Afghanistan once and for all, I feel that we should spend a brief moment and look back over our
past year. While this year was a year of missed anniversaries, birthday celebrations, weddings, and so on and so forth; let us
not forget that there was also good that came out of this year as well. Yes, despite the challenges we faced together, there
was good that came out of it and a few of the numerous examples of the “good” that this deployment brought are as follows…

One “good” that this year has taught us is to never take our loved ones, or the many other numerous blessings that we are
freely given as Americans, for granted. For the rest of our lives, we will forever be grateful for each and every moment spent
with our loved ones, as we all know what it’s like to be away from them. In the future our times together with them will mean
so much more to us, due simply to the fact that we spent this entire year apart from them. Another “good” that many of us
experienced is that our faith in God grew while over here. For those of us that this pertains to I’d encourage you to find a good
church to attend back home so your faith can continue to grow and be cultivated for long after the last Regular sets foot down
on American soil.

My point in bringing this up is for all of us to realize that though this has been a trying year for all of us, there have been good
things that this deployment has taught us that will enhance the rest of our lives if we allow them too.

It truly has been the greatest honor of my military career to have served alongside of the wonderful Soldiers,
Non-Commissioned Officers, and Officers of the 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, “Regulars by God!”

REGULARS BY GOD!
DEEDS NOT WORDS!
Chaplain Chip Satterlee

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